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08 October 1999
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HR/99/94
8 October 1999
HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS WELCOMES
LATEST DECISION IN PINOCHET CASE
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson welcomed today's decision in London to commit Augusto Pinochet for extradition as a signal of hope to those fighting for justice for victims of human rights violations.
"The message of a year of proceedings in the Pinochet case and of today's historic ruling is clear: Those who commit, order or tolerate torture can no longer be sure of a peaceful retirement", she said.
The High Commissioner said Magistrate Ronald Bartle's decision confirms the view that torture is an international crime subject to universal jurisdiction. The House of Lords had ruled on 24 March 1999 that the allegations for which General Pinochet could be extradited were torture and conspiracy to torture after December 8, 1988, when the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment took effect in the United Kingdom.
"Survivors of human rights abuses the world over can take heart in knowing that impunity for torture and other human rights violations is no longer the norm, even when those responsible are the highest representatives of the State", the High Commissioner continued.
The High Commissioner said the Pinochet case reinforces the need for States to ratify the Statute of the International Criminal Court. "The Court would pave the way towards consistent, comprehensive and universal prosecution and punishment of international crimes", she concluded.
8 October 1999
HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS WELCOMES
LATEST DECISION IN PINOCHET CASE
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson welcomed today's decision in London to commit Augusto Pinochet for extradition as a signal of hope to those fighting for justice for victims of human rights violations.
"The message of a year of proceedings in the Pinochet case and of today's historic ruling is clear: Those who commit, order or tolerate torture can no longer be sure of a peaceful retirement", she said.
The High Commissioner said Magistrate Ronald Bartle's decision confirms the view that torture is an international crime subject to universal jurisdiction. The House of Lords had ruled on 24 March 1999 that the allegations for which General Pinochet could be extradited were torture and conspiracy to torture after December 8, 1988, when the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment took effect in the United Kingdom.
"Survivors of human rights abuses the world over can take heart in knowing that impunity for torture and other human rights violations is no longer the norm, even when those responsible are the highest representatives of the State", the High Commissioner continued.
The High Commissioner said the Pinochet case reinforces the need for States to ratify the Statute of the International Criminal Court. "The Court would pave the way towards consistent, comprehensive and universal prosecution and punishment of international crimes", she concluded.